It’s that time of the week again, Roarers: we need your questions for Issue 4 of Coach’s Corner this Friday.
It’s the column where our resident rugby analyst, Nick Bishop, answers your questions about what’s going on on the field.
There’s been ample code to enjoy over the past week, with two enthralling Super Rugby AU matches, including the absolutely incredible Reds’ victory over the Brumbies, two high-scoring games in Aotearoa, and a brilliant round of Six Nations action.
So if you have any questions about what happened over the last few days or what could follow in the games ahead, be sure to drop them into the comments section below, and Nick will pick a few to delve into for this Friday’s article, complete with video analysis to show you the full picture.
Miss the latest issue of Coach’s Corner? Be sure to catch up here.
Remember to keep your questions nice and specific where possible – focus on particular aspects of a team’s play or a game rather than their overall performances if you can.
So, leave your questions in the comments section below, and Nick will have some answers for you on Friday, as well as his regular offering tomorrow morning.
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
See today's article Steve!
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
OK I’m going to sneak another question in as this comes from newly released reports of the retirement of Ireland’s CJ Stander from all forms of the game at the ripe old age of 30, citing the toll its taking on his family… So my question Nick is.. Do you as a knowledgable insider feel that proffessional rugby is making excessive and unrealistic demands on the players or is Stander an isolated exception?
Butcher
Roar Rookie
Pete Samu is a great player, played well for the Crusaders and playtime superb for the Brumbies, he has had the opportunity to play at the higher level, but the coaches don't seem to keep him there. Why is this?
jeznez
Roar Guru
Gordon dove over the ruck to score in the trial between Tahs and Reds. Ref had no issue with it.
jeznez
Roar Guru
G’day Nick. I might be a bit late on this (and it might be a bit yesterday’s news) so understand if this doesn’t make the cut. Question: the Brumbies made huge metres attacking off set piece against the Waratahs. What was happening that allowed this? From memory a couple of huge breaks attacking towards their right wing Muirhead during the first half.
Harry Jones
Expert
Maybe a Matt Philip type in OZ. Or a Sam Cane in NZ. A Mostert in SA. Sam Underhill in UK.
Ben Elvy
Roar Rookie
This one would be great as a weekly "best of SR teams"
piru
Roar Rookie
We could just take the 3. ???? When we get a penalty, sure - but the battering ram tactic in general play is kind of a liability now. Defences have been given a big get out of jail card with the ability to just create a pile and have a dropout rather than have to defend a scrum. I get why this law was altered, but I am (clearly) not a fan
Machooka
Roar Guru
Good Q... :thumbup: I'm sure there's a similar... it would probably be a forward who doesn't do anything flashy as such, but would come up looking industrious and effective under your 'chukka scoring' system. Probably a 2, 4, 5 or 6??
numpty
Roar Rookie
Check out rugbycology on twitter Chook. He usually has a site, but its down at the moment. His whole schtick is looking at how well teams can shift up the field, how they do it and so on. ie, how well do teams exit, get into oppo half and 22 and so on. And from this, what platforms and where do teams score points from. See this as an example. https://twitter.com/rugbycology/status/1370686035160567812?s=20
Harry Jones
Expert
Who would be that guy in rugby?
numpty
Roar Rookie
I don't know why more kicks in the 22 haven't been tried considering marks can't be taken and its a goal line rather than a 22 drop out
Machooka
Roar Guru
Yes. As we both know the NBA is 'stats' obsessed... and for good reason. And it's these sort of stats that give good indication as to productive activity v just activity. Point in case would be someone like Draymond Green of da Warriors... scores very few points at times, but goes a 'double double' for assists and rebounds (throw in a few 'steals' as well). Most would think he's had a crap game because he hasn't scored heaps of points... but nothing could be further from the truth; regardless of what Paul Pierce might say! :laughing:
Harry Jones
Expert
In rugby, I’d like to see more plus/minus stats (for each player) using my chukka scoring. We often say someone outplays their opposite number, but we could do a better running total like they have in the NBA.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Correct, Harry... an offensive efficiency stat, one that gives the big picture on whether all that jigging about in the opposition's territory is just show... or go. My Wallaby, under Cheika's reign, would've had a minus offensive efficiency score :stoked: :shocked:
Kiwiburger
Guest
Simple one for Jason Holland. Where is Gareth Evans? Not even making the 23 after being arguably the most effective back rower since 2018.
Harry Jones
Expert
Chook. I like that stat (if run over a few games, not one game). I like it because it is an NBA offense efficiency stat, and it gives you a big picture since so few tries are scored from outside the 22. I also like it because it renders cool numbers like 3.21 and such, so they sound “true.” If I had to guess, Exeter or Crusaders have 5+ scores and the Stormers or the Rebels find a way to be less than 0. Haha!
KiwiHaydn
Roar Rookie
Love this! Personally, I think DMac’s days in black are numbered, but unless the learning curve is too steep, this could be a great option!
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
So many good questions! I'm wondering about halfbacks, and how they are going under the new rules. Who is thriving and who is struggling? Six Nations, Super Rugby Aotearoa, and AU have given us enough of a glimpse to list the world's best. Who's at the top?
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
Thanks Nic. Do you think a change of leadership at the Wallabies is needed? Especially with the maturity shown by JOC and Toomua recently.